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Pierzynski makes back-to-back starts at DH

Pierzynski makes back-to-back starts at DH

7/29/13: A.J. Pierzynski leads off the bottom of the ninth inning with a solo shot into the stands in right field to tie the game at 3

By T.R. Sullivan
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MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- A.J. Pierzynski has been in the lineup for 12 straight games since the All-Star break. That's unheard of for a catcher, but Pierzynski has been splitting that time by also serving as the designated hitter.

Pierzynski was in the Rangers' lineup on Tuesday night as the designated hitter for the second straight game. It was also the fifth time Pierzynski has been used at DH in the past nine games.

"I'd rather catch but I understand why I'm DHing," Pierzynski said. "I know why and get it. I look at it as I'm in the lineup. It's fine. I'm still in there with the opportunity to contribute. It's a way to give you a break and still contribute."

Rangers manager Ron Washington has been using Geovany Soto to catch Yu Darvish and Matt Garza. Derek Holland was on the mound for the Rangers on Tuesday but was facing left-hander C.J. Wilson for the Angels. Washington said he wanted Soto's right-handed bat in the lineup.

"I wanted as many right-handed bats in there as I could," Washington said. "If I'm going to play Soto, he's going to catch. He's more productive when he catches."